Primary Department: Harris County Resources for Children and Adults
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Joel Levine, Executive Director
Managing Department: Harris County Resources for Children and Adults
Managing Department Head/Elected Official: Joel Levine, Executive Director
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Investment Memo
Investment Memo Type: Change Investment Memo
Project Name: Annex M Comprehensive Renovations and Safety Upgrades
Project ID: ANNEX_M
Vendor Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Achievement (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item
Incremental Authorization Requested: $702,650
Total Estimated Project Cost: $1,230,500
Request Summary:
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Request for approval of a Change Investment Memo for the Annex M Comprehensive Renovations and Safety Upgrades project, for an incremental amount of $702,650 for a total authorization of $1,230,500 and commercial paper funding in the amount of $705,000 for a total allocation of $1,235,000.
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Project Description:
The building located at 2525 Murworth Drive (Annex M), where the Harris County Resources for Children and Adults (HCRCA) is currently housed, and is approximately a 60-year-old facility that urgently requires comprehensive renovations to address significant safety, sanitary, and operational challenges that threaten staff well-being and service effectiveness. Key improvements include optimizing space to support continued staff growth, upgrading meeting rooms with advanced technology for efficient collaboration, and enhancing common areas to create a warm, welcoming environment for sensitive clients.
Critical health concerns arise from the lack of running water and sinks in break areas, forcing unsanitary utensil washing practices that compromise hygiene and plumbing integrity. Additionally, the facility’s security is compromised by inadequate internal and external CCTV coverage, a critical vulnerability given our work with high-risk clients in a high-crime area.
To ensure safety and preparedness, especially during hurricane season, the project will also implement a reliable handheld radio communication system across our four buildings, enabling clear coordination during emergencies.
These targeted renovations will safeguard staff and clients, modernize operations, and uphold our commitment to providing a secure, healthy, and supportive environment.
This request represents the continuation of the Annex M Comprehensive Renovations and Safety Upgrades Project. While Phase 1 achieved significant progress, several planned efforts (i.e. Lobby Mural and Furniture for the common areas) were not completed due to unforeseen financial impacts, including tariff charges, price increases, and inflation. These additional costs constrained the scope of work and prevented full execution of the original plan.
To ensure the integrity and success of the Annex M initiative, we are requesting:
• Completion of unfinished Phase 1 projects that were deferred due to budget limitations.
• Additional funding for renovation of key areas to address critical needs and maintain alignment with safety and modernization goals.
By securing the necessary resources, this continuation will allow us to fully realize the objectives of Annex M, strengthen facility safety, and deliver comprehensive upgrades originally envisioned.
Anticipated Project Expenditures and Timeline:
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Project Scope Breakdown |
Estimated Cost |
Estimated Completion |
|
Furniture Upgrades |
$150,000 |
FY 2026 |
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Waterline installation second floor - TI Breakroom |
$45,000 |
FY 2026 |
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Restrooms Upgrade (4 total) |
$246,000 |
FY 2026 |
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Monument |
$44,000 |
FY 2026 |
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TI Conference Room Reno / Audio Visual |
$55,000 |
FY 2026 |
|
Water fountain Upgrades |
$20,000 |
FY 2026 |
|
Lobby Murals |
$24,000 |
FY 2026 |
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Fence Slate Replacement - Chimney Rock Location |
$27,000 |
FY 2026 |
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Subtotal |
$611,000 |
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Contingency (15%) |
$91,650 |
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Total |
$702,650 |
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Justification & Alternatives:
The Annex M Comprehensive Renovation and Safety Upgrades Phase II project is critical to ensure the safety, functionality, and well-being of our staff. While Phase 1 of the project addressed several priority areas, unforeseen financial challenges including tariff charges, price increases, and inflation prevented completion of all planned efforts.
At present, Harris County does not have the fiscal capacity to cover the remaining costs, nor are there alternate funding sources available. Without additional support, key safety and modernization upgrades will remain incomplete, leaving staff without the secure and efficient environment originally envisioned.
Funding is therefore essential to:
• Complete unfinished Phase 1 projects that were deferred due to budget constraints.
• Advance additional renovations in key areas to meet safety standards and operational needs.
• Protect the health, safety, and well-being of staff by ensuring facilities are modernized and secure.
• Maintain continuity with the Annex M initiative, fulfilling the original scope and intent of the project.
By securing the requested funds, we can continue renovation efforts, safeguard staff, and deliver on the county’s commitment to providing safe, functional, and compliant facilities.
Key objectives of the project include:
v Optimizing Space for Continued Staff Growth: The current space layout is insufficient to support our expanding workforce. Renovations will reconfigure and maximize usable space to create efficient, adaptable work environments that foster collaboration while maintaining privacy where necessary.
v Technological and Functional Upgrades to Meeting Areas: Existing meeting rooms will be transformed into state-of-the-art, technology-enabled spaces that facilitate seamless communication and collaboration with both internal teams and external stakeholders. These upgrades are critical for supporting the complex, multidisciplinary nature of our work.
v Enhancement of Common Areas: To create a welcoming and comforting atmosphere for clients, many of whom have sensitive emotional needs, common areas will be modernized with improved aesthetics, lighting, and furnishings. This is essential to promote a warm, respectful environment that supports healing and trust.
v Resolving Critical Sanitary Deficiencies: Current break areas on both the first and second floors lack running water and sinks, forcing staff to wash utensils in restrooms, a practice that is not only unsanitary but also causes plumbing issues and potential health hazards. Installing properly plumbed sinks and cleaning stations is an urgent priority to uphold hygiene standards and protect staff health.
v Annex M Branding and Monument Upgrade: The installation of a new monument featuring RCA’s updated logo is essential to completing our rebranding efforts and reinforcing organizational identity. As part of the broader Annex M Renovation and Safety Upgrades project, the monument will serve as a visible landmark that symbolizes RCA’s mission, fosters pride among staff, and enhances recognition by the community. This investment ensures consistency with county standards, aligns facilities with our refreshed brand, and strengthens the professional image of RCA.
Anticipated Impact on Other Funds (If Applicable): N/A
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Fund Code |
Description |
Estimated Cost |
Funding Method (Existing or Future Budget Request Required) |
Estimated Date of Needs |
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County Strategic Plan Goal: 4. Improve physical and mental health outcomes across all communities.
County Strategic Plan Objective: P: Improve children’s health outcomes.
Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1): N/A
Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): N/A
Economy Initiative (Goal 3): N/A
Health Initiative (Goal 4): P3: Enhance maternal and child health and development services.
Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): N/A
Housing Initiative (Goal 6): N/A
Decision Analysis Matrix Score (rubric on last page): 19
Previous Court Action:
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Date |
Agenda Item # |
Action Taken |
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7/10/25 |
85. |
Request for approval of a Final Investment Memo for Annex M Comprehensive Renovations and Safety Upgrades project for an amount of $527,850, and commercial paper funding in the amount of $530,000. |
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Address: 2525 Murworth Drive
Precinct(s): Countywide
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Fiscal and Personnel Summary |
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Funding Sources |
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Existing Budget |
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Total Current Budget |
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Additional Budget Request |
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Commercial Paper |
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$705,000 |
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Total Additional Budget Request |
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$705,000 |
$705,000 |
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Total Funding Request |
$ |
$705,000 |
$705,000 |
$ |
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Personnel (Fill out section only if requesting new PCNs) |
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Current Position Count for Service |
- |
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Additional Positions Request |
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Total Personnel |
- |
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Anticipated Court Date: 1/8/2026
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): Click or tap to enter a date.
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or ARPA related item
Legal funding compliance confirmed by: Paige Abernathy, Special Assistant County Attorney, 12/17/2025
Department Approval by: Joel Levine, Executive Director
OMB CIP Team Approval by: Jordan Frijas, Budget Analyst-Capital Projects & Infrastructure, 12/18/2025
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Commercial Paper Request (For OMB use only):
Receiving Department: Harris County Resources for Children and Adults
Project PeopleSoft ID: ANNEX_M
CP Series Description: Commercial Paper Series D-2 can be used for (1) construction of public works, (2) the purchase of automobiles, equipment and machinery, including computers, materials and supplies for the operation of the County’s precincts and departments (3) Professional services, including services provided by engineers, architects, attorneys, auditors, financial advisors, and fiscal agents, in connection with the contractual obligations described in (1) and (2).
Commercial Paper is being requested for the Annex M Comprehensive Renovations and Safety Upgrades project and is expected to be repaid within the next three fiscal years either through bonds, budgetary means or pay-as-you-go sources.
Note: Commercial Paper is issued in increments of $5,000 and the excess is not available to be spent by the department.OMB Financial Management contact: Amy Perez, Deputy Executive Director, Office of Management and Budget